Don’t be alarmed when turning up to this intimate Japanese restaurant in Angel – from the outside (and at first glance), it can appear to be just another low-key local. Allow yourself to step in here for a big private, dinner, though, and you’ll soon realise there’s more to Hot Stone than meets the eye.
Available for exclusive hire, this DIY restaurant has a distinct fun element to it, primarily (as the name suggests) the option of cooking your protein yourself on a hot stone. Yep, that’s right. Hot – and we mean sizzling – slabs of granite are placed in front of you to cook your food to your liking – just don’t burn anything. There’s the option of A5 Japanese wagyu and certified Kobe, as well as SAustralian halal picanha Wagyu and a seafood mix of scallop, king prawn, tuna and salmon.
The ingredients really are another selling point at Hot Stone – the aforementioned Wagyu is tender, and they offer freshly-grated Japanese wasabi in several of their dishes. The sushi, which showcases quality seafood and presented in cute, little wooden boxes, is also well worth a try. Not to mention the flaky black cod, marinated for 48 hours and covered with homemade miso. Bespoke menus can be made for your party, which allows the whole menu to be explored.
Other stand-out elements include an artificial cherry blossom tree, a stripped-back wooden interior and intimate feel. While the unfussy tables and chairs might give off a simplistic feel, the food is anything but. What is more, the short and straightforward list of sake and international wines will impress.
This is the spot for a relaxed private dinner for your favourite clients or the ideal place for a staff party. Counter eating is another option, where you can see the chefs in action. This can be incorporated into your event for some added jazz.